View methods side by side.
Choose up to four methods. Add them using the search and share the comparison by copying its link.
| Criterion |  Operations Process Mapping |  Operations Gemba Walk |  Architecture Architecture Decision Record |  Architecture arc42 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Purposedifferent | With a confusing workflow that has many handoffs, the method makes the actual process visible. It shows where work is passed on, delayed, or duplicated, so improvement targets the right spots. | When there is uncertainty about the real course of a process, the method brings observation to the place where work happens. It combines perception, follow-up questions, and process knowledge so decisions rest on actual workflows instead of assumptions. | An ADR permanently records an architecture decision with context, trade-offs, and consequence. It creates continuity for later changes because the decision path stays traceable. | arc42 structures architecture knowledge so teams can document system, decisions, and risks consistently. The template builds a living understanding of the architecture instead of scattered notes. |
Complexitydifferent | Medium | Low | Low | Low |
Timedifferent | 1-3 h | 30-120 min | 15-45 min | 1-2 Tage |
Participantsdifferent | 3-10 | 2-6 | 1-3 | 1-4 |
Formatdifferent | Workshop | Workshop | Async | Workshop + async |
Outputdifferent | Process Map, Handoff List, Improvement Backlog | Observation Notes, Improvement Ideas | ADR File, Decision Log, Rationale | Architecture Document, Context View, Runtime View, Deployment View |
Tagsno overlap | ProcessOperationsImprovement | LeanObservationProcessOperations | ArchitectureRationaleDocumentationGovernance | ArchitectureDocumentationCommunication |